Moyes gets serious as West Ham make improved €25m bid for eight-goal striker
West Ham have revived their interest in Hugo Ekitike and lodged am improved €25m bid for the Reims striker, claims a report.
The French 19-year-old attacker has been linked with a number of clubs this month. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Leicester City have all been named as suitors. The France U20 international has been identified by Newcastle scouts as one of the best young talented forwards in Europe.
West Ham were reported to be the only side who had firmed up their interest with an offer though.
That offer, according to Le1o Sport, of €15m had been rejected by the struggling Ligue 1 club.
But David Moyes’ side remain interested in the eight-goal striker and have returned with another offer.
The Hammers have lodged a “revised offer” of €25m, including bonuses for Ekitike. But, according to Le10 Sport, their latest offer is “still insufficient” for Reims.
The north-eastern French side rate the player highly and are looking for a bigger offer with his contract running until 2024.
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Ekitike sell-on clause
In fact, as per the Mail, Reims want €30m, plus bonuses and also a sell-on percentage. The bonuses they are understood to be looking at are around €10m, while the sell-on clause they are chasing is 25 per cent.
That still leaves West Ham some way to go to match the demands of the French club for Ekitike.
But the Hammers are very keen and “does not let go”.
Moyes’ need for another option in attack is apparent. Michail Antonio is the only recognised senior striker available to the Scottish boss.
An injury to Antonio meant Jarrod Bowen had to deputise as a No.9 earlier in the season. What’s more, Antonio suffered an eight-game goal drought in the Premier League between October and December.
The Hammers are also in the picture for Senegal star Bamba Dieng, who plays his football with Marseille.
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer target given glowing report from West Ham coach Pearce
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